Named in honor of the German painter, draftsman and copper engraver Lucas Cranach the Elder (1472–1553). As a friend of Luther and Melanchton {see planets  (7100) and  (7906)}, he is reputed to be the primary master of the German Reformation period. His first work is ascertainable in Vienna; beginning in 1505, he was an esteemed court painter for the elector of Saxony Friedrich der Weise in Wittenberg. One of his best-known works is the altarpiece in the main church of Weimar {see planet  (3539)}, which was completed by his son Lucas Cranch the Younger. (M 32095) _ _.